Notes from CAW November 2016 meeting

At the 1 November meeting we were lucky to have Paul Barker, Safe and Sustainable Transport Manager at Wellington City Council, along with Councillor portfolio leaders Sarah Free (Public Transport, Cycling and Walking) and Chris Calvi-Freeman (Transport strategy and operations)

Paul gave us an overview of Wellington’s Urban Cycling Programme.

Cycling has a significant budget, $37.5 million annually. The challenge is getting projects through the planning and consultation processes. A new engagement process is being used.

Staffing: now have around 15 positions connected to active transport, with vacancies being filled.

Decisions on routes in the CBD depend on the outcome of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving process. Funding has been moved from CBD projects to the Eastern Suburbs.

Northern route:

Ngauranga to Thorndon: lighting poles are being moved, bus stops relocated, and general upgrade to cycle path, including raising path at business entrances.

Thorndon to CBD. Decision to be made about whether cycle route will be along Thorndon Quay or Aotea Quay.

An upgrade of the Wakely Rd “Goat Track” between Newlands and Ngauranga is possible.

Eastern suburbs: working on proposals for:

Upgrading cycle/walk path on Cobham Drive. This could be a “quick win” with approval possible in early 2017.

Improved cycling routes from the Coutts St airport underpass to Seatoun and Miramar.